An estimated 350 people gathered for a Candlelight Vigil to pray, protest, and listen to pro-life speakers in front of the empty office building at 1625 N. Opdyke Road Saturday night, August 27. (See slideshow) Shuttled from nearby Heritage Baptist Church and squeezed between a line of‘ ‘No Trespassing’ signs and busy traffic, the crowd was visible from far down the road. ‘Abortion Stops a Beating Heart’ and ‘Stop Abortion Now’ signs clearly confirmed that this was the place where Planned Parenthood wants to perform abortions against strong opposition in the community.
The event, sponsored by Citizens for a Pro-Life Society, began at 8 pm with Director Monica Miller, who introduced the line-up of speakers featuring Joseph Scheidler, a pro-life activist from Chicago and Rebecca Kiessling, who was conceived-in-rape and travels the globe to bring attention to the abortion rape exception.
Fr. Steve Polis of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Orion, led the talks by referencing the Gospel of Mark:10 - 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.' ‘God has a special love for the weak and poor…when we stand up to defend the weakest among us, the unborn, we unite ourselves to the heart of Jesus.’ Polis said.
Kiessling, an attorney who practiced law in an office nearby, said that the people of Auburn Hills do not want an abortion clinic in their community. 'I know the women who live here,’ she said, ‘and I tell you that this is unacceptable!’
Scheidler said, ‘It is up to us to set things right, and you are the people who can change things!’ Giving the crowd a word in faith, he encouraged them, ‘We want this building to stay empty and it will stay empty if we trust in God!’
After the speakers, there was time allotted for private prayer groups to intercede before the September 7th court battle. Oakland Circuit Judge James Alexander will hear the lawsuit, filed by Planned Parenthood, seeking to overturn a covenant deed restriction limiting the use of land to retail, restaurant or office purposes. Planned Parenthood purchased the land last year with an agent who did not disclose their identity or true purpose.
According to Barb Yagley, member of Central Oakland Right to Life, most abortion centers do not include the word ‘abortion’ in their titles nor do they use the term in their lawsuits or legal proceedings, ‘which speaks volumes..’ (The Oakland Press, Sunday, August 28)
Kiessling asked the people to pray that the difference between a medical ‘office’ and a surgical facility will be clearly understood. She also urged people to support ‘Personhood Amendments’ which will put the pro-life question into the hands of voters.
‘Through prayer and work, we will bring forth the truth that all life is sacred’ said Fr. Polis ushering the night’s theme that was reiterated by all the speakers. Scheidler spoke adamantly, ‘This is what we have to do! We do not have a choice! Life must be saved because abortion destroys God’s plan!’
The September 7th hearing will be at 8:30 am and is open to the public:
Judge Richard Alexander
Courtroom 1B
1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Pontiac, MI
